Sales Tax Basics: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

Ashley
Mar 17
4 min read

Updated: Mar 31

Sales tax can feel like a complicated, ever-changing landscape for small business owners. Between understanding when and where to collect it, how to file, and what exemptions apply, managing sales tax can be overwhelming. However, staying compliant is essential to avoid penalties and keep your business running smoothly.

This guide breaks down the basics of sales tax, helping small business owners understand their responsibilities and how to manage sales tax efficiently.

What is Sales Tax?

Sales tax is a state-imposed tax on the sale of goods and some services. When a business sells a taxable product or service, it collects sales tax from the customer and then remits that tax to the appropriate state or local tax agency. Unlike income tax, which businesses pay on profits, sales tax is simply collected and passed along to the government.

Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax?

Not all businesses are required to collect sales tax. Whether your business is responsible depends on:

Your Location – Sales tax laws vary by state, and some states (like Oregon, Montana, and New Hampshire) do not have a general sales tax.
What You Sell – Physical products are generally taxable, but some states also tax certain services. Digital goods, subscriptions, and food items may have different tax rules depending on the state.
Your Sales Volume (Nexus Rules) – Nexus is the connection between your business and a state that requires you to collect sales tax. Traditionally, this was based on having a physical presence, like a storefront or warehouse. However, many states now enforce economic nexus, meaning if you exceed a certain amount of sales in the state (e.g., $100,000 in revenue or 200 transactions), you must collect sales tax even without a physical location there.

How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit

If your business is required to collect sales tax, you’ll need to register for a sales tax permit. Here’s how:

Determine Where You Need to Register – You may need to register in multiple states if you sell online and meet economic nexus thresholds.
Apply with the State’s Tax Authority – Visit the website of the state’s Department of Revenue and complete the application for a sales tax permit.
Receive Your Sales Tax ID – Once approved, you’ll get a tax ID that allows you to collect and remit sales tax legally.
Understand Your Filing Requirements – Each state has its own deadlines and filing frequencies, which can be monthly, quarterly, or annually.

How to Calculate Sales Tax

The amount of sales tax you need to collect depends on:

State and Local Tax Rates – Some states have a flat rate, while others allow local governments (counties, cities, and special districts) to add their own sales tax. This means tax rates can vary within the same state.
Origin-Based vs. Destination-Based Taxation – Some states require businesses to charge sales tax based on the seller’s location (origin-based), while others require tax based on the buyer’s address (destination-based). If you sell online, you may need to track different tax rates for each customer’s location.
Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Items – Some items, like groceries or prescription drugs, may be exempt from sales tax in certain states.

To simplify calculations, many businesses use sales tax automation tools like TaxJar, Avalara, or QuickBooks to apply the correct rate based on customer location.

Collecting and Remitting Sales Tax

Once you start collecting sales tax from customers, you must report and submit those funds to the appropriate tax authorities. Here’s how to stay compliant:

Keep Accurate Records – Track all taxable and non-taxable sales, collected tax, and exempt transactions.
File and Pay on Time – States assign a filing frequency based on sales volume (monthly, quarterly, or annually). Late filings can result in penalties and interest.
Take Advantage of Discounts – Some states offer discounts for filing on time, reducing your overall tax liability.

Most states allow businesses to file sales tax returns and submit payments online through their Department of Revenue website.

Handling Sales Tax for Online Sales

With the rise of e-commerce, sales tax rules for online businesses have become more complex. If you sell through platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify, be aware of:

Marketplace Facilitator Laws – Many states require platforms like Amazon and eBay to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of sellers. However, you may still need to register and file returns, even if the platform collects tax for you.
Multi-State Nexus – If your business exceeds economic nexus thresholds in multiple states, you may be responsible for collecting sales tax in several states, even without a physical presence there.
Tax Software for Automation – Using a tax automation tool can help track different tax rates, manage filings, and stay compliant with changing tax laws.

Common Sales Tax Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to Register in the Right States – If you have economic nexus in a state but don’t collect sales tax, you could face fines and back taxes.
Misclassifying Products or Services – Some states tax digital products, services, and even shipping costs differently. Ensure you’re collecting tax correctly.
Not Keeping Proper Records – If audited, you need to provide accurate sales records and exemption certificates.
Missing Filing Deadlines – Late filings can result in penalties, so mark due dates on your calendar or automate your filings.
Relying on Outdated Tax Rates – Sales tax rates change frequently. If you manually enter rates, check for updates regularly.

Final Thoughts

Understanding sales tax is essential for running a compliant and financially healthy business. While it may seem complex, breaking it down into key steps—registering, collecting, calculating, and filing—can make it manageable. If you sell in multiple states or online, consider using sales tax automation tools to streamline compliance.

If you’re unsure about your sales tax responsibilities, consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure you're following the right procedures. Staying informed and proactive will help your business avoid costly mistakes and stay on track for long-term success.

Want to feel calm, cool, and collected when managing your money?

Who doesn’t?! Check out The Ultimate Accounting Checklist, your guide for managing and maintaining your business finances with ease.